Stop negative thinking

Updated on December 16, 2012

Negative thinking

There was a time where my thoughts were mostly consumed with negativity. I spend most of my days harboring these thoughts, which just led to more negative thoughts and before you knew it, I was riding on a vicious cycle. Finally one day I realized that the one thing that would change all of my negative thinking was to take control of them by making a choice to change my thinking and engage in a more positive action.

I believe we have many gifts that are freely given to us; one of them is the ability to make choices. Many of us fail to recognize that we can actually start our day all over again by just choosing to do so. Unfortunately many continue to linger in the seas of discouragement and frustration all day long from thinking negatively, I myself am still guilty of this.

Positive things and thoughts

It is common for us to experience some hard times, have our bad days and our good days. It is also quite natural to become irritable about certain situations and for a negative thought to pop into our minds every now and then. What it is helpful to remember is that we don’t have to let them take over our lives. Some may ask “that simple, huh?” With practice and a can do attitude, It can be as simple as taking a step back acknowledging that your thoughts are mostly unrealistic and are causing you frustration and then choose to change your thinking pattern.

You can even choose to examine your thoughts at a time where you feel you may have more control of them. Remember irrational thinking leads to irrational decision making. Still you may say it’s easier said than done. I say next time your mind is going a hundred miles an hour with negative thoughts. Say STOP! And ask your self what good is any of those thoughts doing for you, accept giving you a big headache and making you loose sleep. Choose the opposite and to continue your day or evening involved in doing things that are positive.

Overcome negativity books

Stop negative thinking

1. Practice the wonderful words of Churchill “never give up”. Never give up believing that good things will come your way. Funny thing with people is that just when things are about to take a turn for the good is when they decide to give up. Hang around long enough to reap the rewards.

2. Develop a complete new attitude and posture. Stand straight and always walk with your head up high knowing that you are worth everything that is grand in life!

3. Try to stay away from negative individuals as often as you can instead always surround yourself with positive people and activities.

4. Be grateful for the ability of being able to make choices, it is a gift that many do not make use of among other things.

5. When a negative thought comes to mind immediately shift it to a positive one, think of a happy time in your life.

6. If you find that your negative thinking won't go away and it is pestering you, go for a walk, turn on some music and do a little cleaning around the house, try window shopping or perhaps listen to what others have to say, there is always someone one who needs an ear and comfort.

More by this Author

Do you think you may be losing yourself in your relationship? Are you more concerned about your partner’s life than you are about yours? Constantly worrying about their thoughts, whereabouts and what makes them...

This is so true Madison22! Sometimes we learn negative thinking from our parents, however, you are correct that one can make a decision to be positive or negative. It has been my experience that what you expect is exactly what you get.

Here's a tidbit to help bring on a positive mood. If you catch yourself thinking about a situation negatively, sing or hum a song; you will find that you can't do both at the same time. Great hub! :)

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

I'm glad it helped janny. Thank you for stopping by!

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Sing or hum a song...good one! Thank you so much money glitch!

beth811 6 years ago from Philippines

I read my booklet on Nuggets of Wisdom when negative thinking strikes. That helps me a lot... Or count up to 100.

Thanks for sharing.

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Counting up to 100, good advice. Thanks beth811!!

e-lyl 6 years ago

Thank you for the reminder.

I learned some time ago it also helped to toss out my 'crystal ball.' The one that told me how things would turn out, usually in a negative way. Now I just wait and see.

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Those darn crystal balls!! Our minds can sometimes be one of our worst enemies if we let it. Thanks for stopping by e-lyl!!

liminal 6 years ago

I've been where you described, maybe I'm still there. Thank you for writing about it.

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

I find it's all a process. Thank you Liminal!

Cheeky Girl 6 years ago from UK and Nerujenia

I find this informative and interesting, many thanks for this hub. You have many interesting subjects in your hubs!

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Hi Cheeky Girl, Thank you for your kind comment!

abchs_princess 6 years ago

Very interesting!

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Abchs, Thank you for visiting hubpages and commenting on my hub!

DivineScribe 6 years ago

This is a great hub.

Sometimes life sneaks in and takes over. Our thoughts are the first thing to react. One min. we are up and the next min. we are down. Emotionally ruled is what I refer to it as. We cant afford to allow our lives to be ruled by our emotions and it starts with the thought process.

Change your thinking and renew your mind daily.

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Divine, thank you so much for reading my hub and commenting. I absolutely love what you have to say. :)

embee77 6 years ago

Another wonderful hub. Your comments on positive thinking are so true. Once you've tried it, you can't believe you never did before. Just writing down what you like about yourself and reading it every day can be enough. I had to have professional help to get it done, but that's me. Others can help themselves by using the techniques on their own. It's great to communicate with others who are dealing with the same issues. Thanks!

Madison22 6 years ago from NYC Author

Embee, thank you for reading my hub and commenting! I really like that technique of writing down what you like of yourself and reading it thank you for sharing it.

kenneth avery 5 years ago from Hamilton, Alabama

Hi, Madison! This is a GREAT hub! I have trouble with negative thoughts and I admit it. You are reading words from a "cracked piece of pottery," that is still in the process of being mended by the Master Potter. I wanted to tell you "Thanks, for the comment on my depression hub," but there is NO 'contact Madison,' on your profile slot under your photo, so here is my "Sincere Thanks, for that comment and another sincere thanks for this timely and useful hub. I am thinking positive when I act on my now-positive thought: YOU ARE A GREAT WRITER AND A WONDERFUL FRIEND. Kenneth

Madison22 4 years ago from NYC Author

Thank you Kenneth!

chamilj 4 years ago from Sri Lanka

This is a Great hub! voted up and shared with my followers.

stessily 4 years ago

Madison22, This is such an easy, straightforward, and nicely succinct presentation of a not-so-easy mission: stopping negative thoughts. And yet it IS easier than most think, as you've shown so well. You've pinpointed the pitfalls, and you given doable tips. This is helpful and most inspirational.